The only surviving blaster originally used by Harrison Ford as Han Solo in “Star Wars: A New Hope” sold at Rock Island Auction Company’s August Premier Auction for $1,057,500. Han Solo’s blaster headlined the three-day event that drew international interest and achieved more than $23 million.
Interest in the iconic blaster was hotter than the twin suns of Tatooine in the run-up to the auction. The BlasTech DL-44 Heavy Blaster was estimated to bring between $300,000 to $500,000. Bidding quickly blew past the estimate as well as the 2018 sale of a blaster prop used in “Return of the Jedi” for $550,000.
“We know how passionate fine arms collectors can be and it’s great to see that same energy in other fields of collecting,” said Kevin Hogan, President of Rock Island Auction Company. “We’re grateful for the excitement and support generated for this auction. It’s yet another demonstration of the growing markets for collectibles and fine arms.”
The prop, one of three made for the 1977 film, was previously considered missing and presumed lost forever. The gun had been in the inventory of Bapty & Co., a London prop house that provided numerous arms for “A New Hope.”
The blaster, comprised of military surplus parts, served as the prototype for those carried by Solo throughout the first three Star Wars films produced. Star Wars fans refer to Han Solo’s blaster, one of the most recognizable weapons in movie history, as the “Hero” prop from “Star Wars: A New Hope.”
